Veterans Day – November 11, 2020

 On this meaningful day – eleventh day, eleventh month, eleventh  hour – signifying the end of WW I, “Veterans” are honored. We are ever grateful and “salute” all the brave and dedicated men and women who have served in all military branches of the United States of America and abroad.

Major General Peter Gravett recounts his climb from enlisted man to general in the United States Army National Guard. Gravett was inspired to the military by his father, who was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.

November 11, 2020
Stories of L.A. Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA)

Vol. II, No. 32 Major General Peter Gravett recounts being inspired by his father’s serving with Tuskegee Airmen.

Major General Peter Gravett has had a dual career in military and law enforcement National Guard enlisted man to general in the United States Army National Guard. Gravett was inspired to pursue his military by his father, who was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.Major General Gravett’s family has had a presence in San Pedro area for nearly 100 years, espouses education, strong work ethic and church to achieve success in life.

His parents grew up in the segregated south and moved to the Los Angeles harbor area to provide a better life for their 12 children who all attended college or university. He grew up in two housing projects in San Pedro and rose from those humble beginnings to receive post-graduate degrees from University of Southern California and Harvard College; and earned his high rank in the Army National Guard. He was the first African-American in the 225 year history of the guard to become a division commander.

Read about his origins and life journey in his book From Last Garrison To The Ranch House. His participation in SOLAHA has been truly meaningful, given his core values of education and strong work ethic, and a valued addition to all the amazing stories as we continue to enlighten and entertain as we preserve history for future generations.


Other Memories From Peter Gravett